The winter storm that moved through the South left more than 8 inches of snow in parts of Alabama. The National Weather Service says the Jackson County town of Pisgah in northeast Alabama received more than 8 inches of snow by early Thursday morning. The weather service said parts of metro Huntsville got 7 inches of snow. Accumulations of 4 to 5 inches were common around the Birmingham area.
Synthetic Drugs
The makers of synthetic drugs like Spice, K2 and Bath salts are constantly changing the chemical construction of their product to stay a step ahead of law enforcement. Meanwhile legislators are trying to give narcotics officers the tools needed to make arrests. To that end, State Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur proposed legislation Thursday adding another set of synthetic drugs to the list of those considered illegal in Alabama. He says it's the unstable nature of synthetic drugs that make them so dangerous. The bill passed the Senate and now moves to the House for consideration.
Pedestrian Death
State Troopers are investigating the death of a pedestrian who was struck and killed on Interstate 65 in Chilton County. The Alabama Department of Public Safety says the accident happened between 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the northbound lanes at mile marker 223. Trooper Sgt. Steve Jarrett said the pedestrian had a disabled vehicle. The victim's name was not released.
Safety Violations
A federal agency has cited a plastics company in Elmore County for 15 safety and health violations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed $50,000 in penalties against Amtech Southeast, a plastics facility. The U.S. Department of Labor said Amtech employees were exposed to work place hazards that included amputation and other injuries, excessive noise and fire/explosion hazards. OSHA said the Amtech plant was inspected in September 2013 after a complaint was filed. Amtech has 15 days to respond to the proposed penalties by OSHA.
Alabama Voices
Saturday's much anticipated opening of Alabama Voices at the state Department of Archives and History is expected to attract Alabamians from across the state. Alabama Voices, as its called, features an array of Smithsonian quality exhibits that showcase Alabama from the 1700s to the 21st century. The Museum of Alabama's grand opening is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday on the front terrace of the Department of Archives and History.